The Taiwanese military tests a US-made surface-to-air missile from a destroyer last September. The island wants to phase out its ageing Hawk missile systems. Photo: EPA

Taiwan plans to spend NT$74.8 billion (HK$19.4 billion) in the next nine years to acquire anti-missile systems to boost its aerial defences against Beijing, a lawmaker and media said on Saturday.

The defence ministry aims to purchase the locally-made Tien Kung 3 (Sky Bow 3) surface-to-air missile system between next year and 2024 to replace the ageing Hawk missile systems, said lawmaker Lin Yu-fang of the parliament’s defence committee.

This will be the biggest procurement of domestically-made weapon systems in recent years, Lin said, citing a defence budget plan submitted to the parliament for approval on Friday.

The Tien Kung 3 surface-to-air missile system, developed by Taiwan’s Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, is designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles for air defence missions and missile interception, according to Lin.

The institute reportedly has spent more than NT$20 billion to develop the anti-missile system since 1996.

Taiwan unveiled the Tien Kung 3 missile to the public at a national day parade in 2007 and tested it at a major missile drill in 2011.

Taiwan’s Apple Daily newspaper quoted former defence minister Kao Hua-chu as saying that the Tien Kung 3 system could help intercept the mainland’s cruise missiles and counter the threats of its J-20 stealth fighter to strengthen Taiwan’s aerial defence capabilities.

Tensions between Taipei and Beijing have eased markedly since Ma Ying-jeou became Taiwan’s president in 2008 on a China-friendly platform. He was re-elected in 2012.

But the mainland still considers the self-ruled island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. The two sides split in 1949 at the end of a civil war.

Taiwanese experts estimate the People’s Liberation Army currently has more than 1,600 missiles aimed at the island.

SM-3 ER in disguise. US Aegis system with upgraded anti-ballistic missle capabilities. US has sold these destroyers armed with SM-3 systems to Korea and Japan. In the event of shooting, they will form a string of radar pickets to knock out ballistic missiles. Buy American: What, TV, cars, software? No. F-15s and ships.

adams.steve@****** Aug 31st 20144:54am

I hope Taiwan beefs up it's defense A LOT for the time being! The US president has decimated the Navy. In a couple more years, maybe the new president will let us build some more boats to bolster the 7th Fleet, and other Pacific Rim defenses. That'll take time, even if we start the day after election day 2016. So pull up the boot straps, boys! Meanwhile, the PRC bolsters their Pacific Rim OFFENSES at record pace!

generalkimber@****** Aug 31st 20143:00am

EVEN while Bush was dealing with the aftermath of 911, he was STILL able to peacefully prevent China from meddling in Taiwan. Obama can't get off the golf course for long enough to learn the difference between the two governments! LOL! Asians all look alike to him.

Sorry, Taiwan.You'll have to go it alone now that the NPD-afflicted, self-anointed Obamessiah has sold the U.S. to the Chi-Coms.Our new masters will call in their IOU's if he dares to make waves.(Not that he dares...)

ymffb16801@****** Aug 31st 20142:18am

Might as well do it themselves. PhuxtainHusseinOblome has made it crystal clear that he'll do jack squat to assist any of our traditional "allies" against existential threats. The skidmark-in-chief threw Israel under the bus, cut-and-ran from Iraq and is doing the same to Trashcanistan. He's a liar, a coward, and is bought-and-paid for by China in this circumstance. He's not the Manchurian Candidate, he's "The Moulinyan Candidate™".